How to Secure Your CyberArk for PCI DSS and Get the Compliance Seal

If you manage or protect credit card information, the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a mandatory security framework. Using CyberArk, a privileged access management (PAM) platform, is a great choice to safeguard sensitive credentials. But to achieve PCI DSS compliance and earn the "PCI DSS badge" or "PCI DSS compliance seal," you must ensure CyberArk itself is secured and meets all PCI requirements.

What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS is a global standard aimed at securing credit card data. If your company stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data, you must follow its 12 primary requirements. For CyberArk, several requirements are especially important, since it stores and manages privileged account credentials—prime targets for attackers.

Key Steps to Secure Your CyberArk for PCI DSS

• Limit and Control Administrator Access: CyberArk should only be accessible to authorized staff who need it. Grant minimum privileges. Use strong, unique accounts for administrators and monitor all privileged activity.
• Enforce Strong Authentication: Apply multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all CyberArk admin and privileged user logins.
• Encrypt Data at Rest and in Transit: CyberArk must encrypt stored sensitive information (like credentials) and secure data exchanged with strong TLS (HTTPS) protocols.
• Apply Patch Management: Keep CyberArk servers, components (like Vault, CPM, PVWA), and supporting OSes fully updated with security patches. Vulnerabilities can be exploited for unauthorized access.
• Log and Monitor Everything: Turn on CyberArk audit logs for all actions: access, credential usage, configuration changes. Send logs to a centralized SIEM or logging solution for analysis and alerting.
• Conduct Regular Reviews and Access Recertification: Periodically review who has access to CyberArk and what they can do. Remove unnecessary permissions and users promptly.
• Firewall and Segment the Environment: Segregate CyberArk servers on a secure network. Only allow necessary connections. Prevent direct internet exposure.
• Use Secure Backups: Ensure CyberArk backups are encrypted and stored safely. Regularly test backup restores.
• Decommission Old/Unused Accounts: Promptly delete or disable accounts and vault credentials no longer needed.
• Documentation and Training: Keep documentation updated about CyberArk configurations, policies, and procedures. Train all users/admins in their security responsibilities.

How to Get the PCI DSS Badge/Seal (Certification Process)

• Gap Assessment: Conduct a gap assessment—review CyberArk’s current setup against PCI DSS requirements. Identify what's missing or needs improvement. A specialized consulting firm like OCD Tech can assist with readiness assessments and detailed advice.
• Remediation: Fix all gaps discovered (e.g., strengthen authentication, enable encryption, update configurations).
• Documentation: Prepare and organize documentation proving your CyberArk implementation meets PCI DSS controls.
• Formal Assessment (Audit): Hire a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to review your environment and controls. For self-assessment, fill a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) if you're eligible. OCD Tech can help navigate this step.
• Attestation and Reporting: If you pass, your QSA or relevant authority will issue an Attestation of Compliance (AOC). This proof is the "PCI DSS badge" or "seal" showing customers and partners you’re secure.
• Ongoing Compliance: Monitor, periodically review, and update your CyberArk environment to stay compliant. Annual reviews are required.

Most Important for PCI DSS Audit Success

• Audit-Ready Logging and Monitoring: Be able to demonstrate all privileged account activities are logged, monitored, and retained for at least one year.
• Strong Access Controls: Show that only authorized users can access CyberArk and managed credentials, backed by strong passwords and MFA.
• Network Segmentation: Evidence that your CyberArk system is shielded from unauthorized access.
• Proof of Patch Management: Documentation and logs showing your systems and CyberArk are up-to-date.
• Training and Policy Documentation: Up-to-date security policies and user/admin training records.

Expert Help
PCI DSS compliance is challenging if you’re new to the standard or to tools like CyberArk. Consulting with a professional readiness firm such as OCD Tech can save you time and prevent costly missteps.